Socialite NICOLE RICHIE has admitted she owes her life to her baby daughter HARLOW WINTER - because she would have spiralled out of control if she hadn't become pregnant.

The 26-year-old was a regular on the Los Angeles party scene before she fell pregnant last year, and had several brushes with the law including a drink driving conviction.

And Richie is sure that if she hadn't become a mother in January, she would have fallen prey to drink and drug addictions that often ravage young stars.

She says: "I never took life seriously before. I'm in a completely different place now. I owe my baby my life.

"I have a responsibility now. I have to really be someone I want my child to look up to. I'd really like to show how much I appreciate the fact that I'm still here, because I almost didn't get the chance."